Here I alighted and walked rapidly over to
the Seraglio Apartments. A vast crowd of curious people was collected
about the place, and as I approached, all eyes were apparently turned
upon me.
Hastening forward I bounded up the entrance steps and almost flew into
the vestibule. There were little knots of people standing about the
hallway, talking in low tones. Even their voices hushed as I hurried
into the elevator and told the attendant to take me up to the eighth
floor. The operator appeared to be almost frightened out of his wits at
the sight of me, but after a momentary pause he ran the elevator to the
eighth floor, peering at me all the time as he might have eyed a wild
beast who was about to devour him. Many people were in the upper hall-
way, but looking neither to the right nor to the left, I went straight
to the door of the room I had entered the night I had taken Arletta
home. Finding it locked, without a moment's hesitation I threw against
it, all of the force my gigantic frame could command which caused it to
give way and fly open before me. I then observed that there were several
men in the room, in different positions and groups, as if making a study
of the surroundings. Lying upon the bed, in the room adjoining, was the
form of a woman partly covered by a spread, and being examined by a man
who might have been the coroner. As I rushed forward like a madman,
every one there became frightened and made way for me to pass.
Approaching the bed I eagerly scanned her features, and being positive
of her identity I took the inanimate form of Arletta in my arms and
kissing her tenderly, was overcome by emotion.
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